Pine Bluff Daily Graphic

Perfect Imitation.

Just a year ago some manufacturer of artistic textiles touring in Donegal resolved on establishing a place for the making of band-tufted carpets of the description generally known as "Turkish" or "Persian." The peculiarity of this fabric is that from its nature it must be a hand production. The tufts are tied by the fingers in knots in longitudinal warps, which are stretched between two long parallel beams. The carpets are made to the size and shape of any room. The design is placed in front and the girls from three to a dozen, according to the size of the carpet, select the colors indicated row by row, which are tied, then bound down by "shoots" of woolen weft drawn across the entire width and beaten firm by small iron-toothed hammers. There is interesting variety and pleasure in the work, and it is such that individual skill and workmanship come largely into play. Altogether, it is just such an industry as is suited to the rural districts of Ireland. No steam power is required and there is therefore no handicap on the commercial side by the absence of coal. The first year's experiment with the Irish girls has proved that they are admirably adapted for the work. The girls show a nimbleness of fingers and sharpness of eye for color and form that have quite astonished their teachers and they take to the work with a spirit and cheerfulness quite refreshing. So convinced are the promoters of its ultimate success that they have planned out a broad scheme that will spread the work all over the west of Ireland and give employment to many hundreds of girls and boys. - London Furniture Record.